ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi have emphasised the importance of Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project for regional connectivity.
During a telephone conversation between FM Dar and his Afghan counterpart on Sunday, the two leaders agreed to work closely for an early finalisation of the framework agreement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in an official statement.
A day ago, Dar held a telephone conversation with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich as well and discussed the modalities for early finalisation of the framework pact for the UAP railway, including details of its signing ceremony in consultation with the leadership of Afghanistan.
The UAP Railway Line Project is a trilateral initiative that will enhance regional connectivity by connecting Central Asia with the ports of Gwadar and Karachi through Afghanistan. This project will link Tashkent to Peshawar via Kabul through a 573-kilometre track that will be built at an estimated cost of $4.8 billion.
Talking about the upgradation of diplomatic ties between the brotherly countries, Muttaqi welcomed the decision of Pakistan to upgrade its diplomatic relations to the ambassador level and informed that Afghanistan has decided to reciprocate the same. He termed it a very positive development in bilateral relations.
Both leaders also reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during the deputy prime minister’s visit to Kabul on April 19 and vowed to continue working together to establish mutual trust between the two brotherly nations.
Islamabad on Friday announced upgrading the chargé d’affaires in Afghanistan to the level of an ambassador amid improving ties with the neighbouring country. In response, the next day, Kabul also announced elevating its diplomatic post in Islamabad to full ambassadorial status.
Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), jointly addressed a grand jirga of tribal elders at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta.
The jirga was organised to interact with the tribal leadership and discuss the evolving security situation in Balochistan, with particular focus on the ongoing proxy war fueled by India, says a press release.
The PM highlighted that Indian-sponsored proxies operating in Balochistan have intensified their efforts to undermine peace, destabilise the province and disrupt development initiatives led by the government of Pakistan and the armed forces.
The prime minister underscored that terrorist groups like Fitna Al-Hindustan seek support of the locals which must be denied to them. Praising the leadership and constructive role of the elders, the PM reiterated the persistent need for engaging at the grassroots level and ensuring that terrorists find no social space. This was crucial for the success of counter terrorism efforts and for the long-term peace and stability.
The prime minister said that the enemies of peace will find no space to operate within Pakistan. “Our message to them is clear: the government, armed forces, LEAs and administrative apparatus, with complete support of Pakistan, will take the nation’s fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion, defeating terrorism in a decisive manner,” the premier said.
Highlighting series of monumental development packages for prosperity in Balochistan, the PM emphasised the need for ensuring trickle-down effect of government initiatives to the populace. The PM praised the people of Balochistan for their historic role in safeguarding national unity and urged them to remain vigilant against foreign-backed subversion and sabotage orchestrated and sponsored by India.
While interacting with tribal elders Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said, “This Indian sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden, it is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace. We have concrete proof of India’s hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan. These nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail. The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty.”
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat. He reiterated that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and that the future of Pakistan is directly linked to a stable, prosperous Balochistan.
The PM and Field Marshal also lauded the bravery and resilience of security forces and LEAs operating in Balochistan. Prime minister assured full cooperation and support to the families of Shuhada and assured them that terrorists, their abettors and facilitators will not be spared.
The jirga concluded with a unanimous pledge from tribal elders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government of Pakistan and armed forces, reaffirming their commitment to the security, stability and development of Balochistan.
Earlier, the prime minister also visited the Command & Staff College, Quetta, and addressed student officers and faculty of Command and Staff College. The prime minister’s address reflected the government’s deep commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s defence institutions amidst evolving regional and internal security dynamics.
During his interaction, the prime minister highlighted the critical importance of professional excellence, operational readiness and strategic foresight in the face of emerging and hybrid threats, especially in sensitive regions like Balochistan, where Indian sponsored terrorist proxies target our people and aim to disrupt our progress and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Governor House, Lahore, on Sunday.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and other leaders from both the PPP and PMLN attended the meeting.
The political and security situation of the country was discussed in the meeting while the prime minister also briefed the president about his recent visits to friendly countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif also discussed cooperation between political allies (PPP and PMLN) in the meeting and agreed that all the differences between the leadership of both the parties on power sharing in the Centre and Punjab will be resolved amicably.
President Asif Ali Zardari asked the prime minister to take steps for relief and welfare of the common man in the upcoming budget. He said political allies needed to move forward together in the interest of the country.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, while stressing over the need of strong ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, urged the youth of both sides to build mutual connections based on strong foundations.
Speaking at a reception held in honour of the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket teams here at the Governor’s House on Sunday, the president said unfortunately he belonged to the generation that witnessed separation of two Pakistani wings in 1971. He stated the generation today cannot feel the pain, adding it was time for both sides to heal those wounds.
Zardari praised the Bengali nation and stated it was once among the richest in the region. “We must work for the welfare of the people of both countries and take joint steps that ensure prosperity for them” said the President of Pakistan.
Zardari went on to say that Bangladesh had been recognised as a successful country in the global community. He said like Pakistan, Bangladesh had also been blessed with numerous natural resources and it is time for the new generations of both the countries to come closer, increase connections for which the game of cricket was vital.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also attended the function. The president met and shook hands with the cricketers and officials from both the teams.
In a lighter note, he also advised cricketers to avoid becoming politicians and stated, ‘let politicians do politics’. The president also lauded Pakistan’s cricket team’s performance in the ongoing cricket series. He noted that the Bangladesh cricket team is visiting Pakistan as ambassadors and has also displayed high-quality performance.
